Decorator assembly

ABSTRACT

A decorator assembly includes a cup holder assembly, a cup transfer assembly, and a decorator mandrel turret assembly. The cup holder assembly is structured to hold a number of cups in a nested, bottom leading configuration. The cup transfer assembly is structured to move cups from said cup holder assembly to a decorator mandrel turret assembly. The decorator mandrel turret assembly is structured to rotatably support a number of cups.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a traditional patent application of and claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/642,625,filed Mar. 14, 2018, entitled, DECORATOR ASSEMBLY.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field

The disclosed concept relates generally to decorator machines fordecorating plastic cups and, more specifically, to a cup feeder assemblyfor a decorator machine wherein the cups are disposed in a bottom-outconfiguration in the feeder assembly and wherein a decorator machineturret assembly (which supports the cup mandrels during printing) doesnot index, i.e., move with an intermittent motion.

Background Information

A decorator assembly for tapered plastic cups includes a cup storageassembly, a feeder assembly, a decorator mandrel turret assembly, and anumber of printing assemblies. The cup storage assembly holds a numberof cups in a nested configuration. The feeder assembly takes cups from acontinuous nested stack of cups which are passed through the feederassembly in a top leading (open end leading) configuration. That is, thecups are engaged by a set of de-nesting/feeder screws which partiallyseparate the first cup from the stack at the cup storage assembly anddischarge the cup from the feeder assembly at the decorator mandrelturret assembly. The discharge of the cups is assisted by a directed,intermittent jet of air.

The decorator mandrel turret assembly includes a rotating turret (a diskshaped body) including a number of elongated mandrel assemblies thereon.In one embodiment, the mandrel assemblies extend from an axial face ofthe turret and in a direction generally parallel to the axis of rotationof the rotating turret. The rotating turret moves in an “indexing” orintermittent motion. That is, the turret rotates until a mandrel isaligned with the feeder assembly then stops, or “dwells,” at thisposition. While the turret is stopped, a cup is ejected from the feederassembly and is disposed on the mandrel. The turret then indexes(rotates) again until a different mandrel is aligned with the feederassembly and the process repeats. As is known, each mandrel assemblyincludes a rotating body disposed about a mandrel shaft. The outersurface of the mandrel body is shaped to conform to the inner surface ofthe cups. Further, the mandrel assembly uses a vacuum to help draw thecup down fully onto the mandrel body. This system has several problems.

For example, during the separation of the cups in the feeder assembly,the de-nesting/feeder screws engage only the upper portion of the cupswhere the cups have the greatest diameter. That is, the nesting/feederscrews engage a rolled lip of the cup and a short area commonly referredto as the stacking shoulder. Because the nesting/feeder screws engageonly a portion of the cup, the orientation of the cup can change whilein the feeder assembly. That is, the orientation of the cups can becomemisaligned relative to the nesting/feeder screws. This is a problem.

Further, in the configuration discussed above, it is understood that theejection end of the feeder assembly must be spaced from the rotatingmandrels by a distance that is at least as great as the height of thecups. That is, a cup cannot be fully disposed on a mandrel while in thefeeder assembly as that would mean that the mandrel is at leastpartially disposed within the feeder assembly. This configuration cannotbe because the mandrels are also rotating with the turret and thatrotation would cause the mandrel to impact on the feeder assembly. Thus,as the cups are ejected from the feeder assembly (upper end first), thefeeder assembly (which only engages the upper end of the cup) does notcontrol the orientation of the cup as the cup moves onto the mandrel.This period wherein the cup does not contact the feeder assembly nor themandrel is identified herein as a period of “free travel.” The distancethe cup travels during the period of free travel is almost equivalent tothe height of the cup. This is a problem because during the period offree travel, a cup can become misaligned relative to the mandrel. Ifthis happens, the cup does not seat properly on the mandrel. This isalso a problem.

Further, there is a possibility that a cup will not travel the distancebetween the feeder assembly and the mandrel during the period whereinthe turret is at rest. That is, the cup can be partially disposed in thefeeder assembly and not seated on the mandrel when the rotating turretstarts to move. When this happens, the cup impacts both the feederassembly and the mandrel and can damage either, or both. Further, thecup can be damaged if it is caught between a stationary feeder assemblyand moving mandrel turret assembly, causing a machine malfunction andshut down. This is a problem.

Further, the indexing nature of the prior art system is a problem aswell. That is, in order for the actions described above to occur, thesystem speeds are limited to approximately 400-425 cups per minute (withtall cups).

There is, therefore, a need for a decorator assembly that addresses theidentified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of thisinvention which provides a decorator assembly including a cup holderassembly, a cup transfer assembly, and a decorator mandrel turretassembly. The cup holder assembly is structured to hold a number of cupsin a nested, bottom leading configuration. The cup transfer assembly isstructured to move cups from said cup holder assembly to a decoratormandrel turret assembly. The decorator mandrel turret assembly isstructured to rotatably support a number of cups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a decorator assembly.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a decorator assembly.

FIG. 3 is schematic side view of a feeder assembly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic end view of a feeder assembly.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a feeder assembly.FIG. 5A is a schematic end view of a feeder assembly.

FIG. 6 is another schematic cross-sectional side view of a feederassembly.

FIG. 7 is another schematic cross-sectional side view of a feederassembly.

FIG. 8A is another schematic cross-sectional side view of a feederassembly with a cup in a first position. FIG. 8B is another schematiccross-sectional side view of a feeder assembly with a cup in a secondposition. FIG. 8C is another schematic cross-sectional side view of afeeder assembly with a cup in a third position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic, partially exploded side view of a decoratorassembly.

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a transfer disk assembly.

FIG. 11 is another schematic top view of a transfer disk assembly withselected elements removed for clarity. FIG. 11A is a schematiccross-sectional side view of a cup mounting assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in thefigures herein and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided asnon-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore,specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used,embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related tothe embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting onthe scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise,counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein.

As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified elementor assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupledand/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a memberthat is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element andincludes elements that cause the member to move or the member isotherwise configured to move in response to other elements orassemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recitesstructure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to[verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to,and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element thatis merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is notintended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not“structured to [verb].”

As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of thesame assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other insome manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, itis understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings orcoupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assemblyare generally not part of the same element or other component. As such,the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the sametime in the following description.

As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or morecomponent(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assemblyincludes at least two components that are structured to be coupledtogether. It is understood that the components of a coupling assemblyare compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, ifone coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component isa snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the othercoupling component is a nut.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are“coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate togethereither directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediateparts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directlycoupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with eachother. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that twocomponents are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constantorientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements arecoupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description,however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to asecond element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel,means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closerto the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, anobject resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not“coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwisemaintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on atable is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupledthereto.

As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled”means that one component is coupled with another component in anessentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled insuch a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy andwould not damage the components. For example, two components secured toeach other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e.,fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled”whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficultto access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to accessfastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more othercomponents prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component”is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, “temporarily disposed” means that a first element(s) orassembly (ies) is resting on a second elements) or assembly(ies) in amanner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without havingto decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, abook simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastenedto the table, is “temporarily disposed” on the table.

As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements orassemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and asecond position, or a first configuration and a second configuration,are coupled so that as the first element moves from oneposition/configuration to the other, the second element moves betweenpositions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element maybe “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured tocouple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener”but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, thetongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled andare not a separate component.

As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural componentsare sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled witha minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to amember is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member maypass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. Thisdefinition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly”together. In that situation, the difference between the size of thecomponents is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. Ifthe element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into theopening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the openingmay even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into theopening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more,“corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size,shape, and contours.

As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in associationwith an element that moves, includes the space an element moves throughwhen in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “pathof travel” or “path.” Further, a “path of travel” or “path” relates to amotion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to anotherobject. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel(an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not moverelative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, thewheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, forexample, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a“path of travel” or “path” relative to the body of the automobile.Conversely, the air inlet valve on that wheel (an identifiableconstruct) does have a “path of travel” or “path” relative to the bodyof the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion,the air inlet valve, as a whole, moves relative to the body of theautomobile.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components“engage” one another means that the elements exert a force or biasagainst one another either directly or through one or more intermediateelements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to movingparts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion fromone position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in thedescribed position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “whenelement A moves to element A first position, element A engages elementB,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element Aengages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element Aeither engages element B while moving to element A first position and/orelement A either engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is,“operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that isstructured to move a movable or rotatable second component means thatthe first component applies a force sufficient to cause the secondcomponent to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contactwith a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, thescrewdriver is merely “temporarily coupled” to the screw. If an axialforce is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed againstthe screw and “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force isapplied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” thescrew and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electroniccomponents, “operatively engage” means that one component controlsanother component by a control signal or current.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created asa single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces thatare created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greaterthan one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase “a numberof elements” means one element or a plurality of elements. It isspecifically noted that the term “a ‘number’ of [X]” includes a single[X].

As used herein, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position andsecond position,” or, “[y] is structured to move [x] between its firstposition and second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element orassembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves betweena number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” i.e., the namedelement or assembly that precedes the pronoun “its.”

As used herein, a “radial side/surface” for a circular or cylindricalbody is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the centerthereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As usedherein, an “axial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is aside that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to aheight line passing through the center. That is, generally, for acylindrical soup can, the “radial side/surface” is the generallycircular sidewall and the “axial side(s)/surface(s)” are the top andbottom of the soup can. Further, as used herein, “radially extending”means extending in a direction or a radial line. That is, for example, a“radially extending” line extends from the center of the circle orcylinder toward the radial side/surface.

As used herein, “generally curvilinear” includes elements havingmultiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planarportions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed atangles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element,point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X]degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extendaround, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement orin a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in anapproximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, an “elongated” element inherently includes alongitudinal axis and/or longitudinal line extending in the direction ofthe elongation.

As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to theterm being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant tothe term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

As used herein, “at” means on and/or near relevant to the term beingmodified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a decorator assembly 10 is structured to movecups 1 from a storage to a print assembly 160 whereat the cups areindividually decorated. As used herein, a “cup” means, and inherentlyincludes, an elongated body having a base with an upwardly depending,and outwardly tapered, sidewall. The end opposite the base is open. Thebody defines a substantially enclosed space. The body has an outersurface and an inner surface. “Cups” can be “nested.” As used herein,“nested” means that one cup body is substantially disposed within anadjacent cup body with the uppermost and widest portion of the bodyextending from the adjacent cup body.

The decorator assembly 10, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a cupholder assembly 20, a cup transfer assembly 30, a mandrel turretassembly 130, and a print assembly 160, some elements shownschematically. The cup holder assembly 20 is structured to, and does,hold a number of cups 1 in a nested, bottom leading configuration. Asused herein, “bottom leading” means the cups 1 move with the base at thefront of the cup's path of travel. The cup transfer assembly 30 isstructured to, and does, move cups 1 from the cup holder assembly 20 tothe mandrel turret assembly 130. The mandrel turret assembly 130 isstructured to, and does, rotatably support a number of cups 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cup holder assembly 20 includes a frame 22, orsimilar body, defining a number of bays 24 structured to support a stackof cups 1. As used herein, a “stack” of cups 1 means a plurality ofnested cups 1. In an exemplary embodiment, there are two bays 24, afirst bay 24A and a second bay 24B disposed in a spaced relation. Thatis, in an exemplary embodiment, the first bay 24A and the second bay 24Bare not disposed immediately adjacent each other. It is understood that,via automation or manual labor, the cups 1 are constantly moved into thebays 24 so that there is an uninterrupted supply of cups 1. The cupholder assembly frame 22 defines two outlets 26, a first outlet 26A anda second outlet 26B, whereat cups 1 exit the cup holder assembly 20.

The cup transfer assembly 30 is structured to, and does, move cups 1from the cup holder assembly 20 to the mandrel turret assembly 130. Inan exemplary embodiment, the cup transfer assembly 30 includes a numberof feedscrew assemblies 40, SHOWN IN FIG. 4, and a transfer diskassembly 100. Each feedscrew assembly 40 is structured to, and does,de-nest and move a cup 1 from a nested stack of cups 1 to the transferdisk assembly 100, discussed below. As used herein, to “de-nest” meansto separate cups 1 that are in a nested configuration. It is understoodthat there is one feedscrew assembly 40 for each bay 24 of the cupholder assembly 20. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, there are twofeedscrew assemblies 40, a first feedscrew assembly 40A and secondfeedscrew assembly 40B. Each feedscrew assembly 40 is disposed at a cupholder assembly frame outlet 26.

As shown in FIGS. 5-8, each feedscrew assembly 40 defines an elongatedcup path 42 having a first end 44 and a second end 46. When in motion,cups 1 move from the cup path first end (or upstream end) 44 to the cuppath second end (or downstream end) 46. Thus, it is understood that thecup path first end 44 is disposed adjacent, or immediately adjacent, thecup transfer assembly 30. Further, the cup path second end 46 isdisposed adjacent, or immediately adjacent, the transfer disk assembly100. Each feedscrew assembly 40 is further structured to substantiallyenvelop a cup 1 as the cup 1 moves from the cup path first end 44 to thecup path second end 46. As used herein, to “envelope” means that thefeedscrew assembly 40, and as discussed below, the feedscrew members,contact or engage a cup 1 along a line, or multiple points forming aline. When a cup is “enveloped” the cup 1 cannot move freely. Thus, anenveloped cup 1 resists changes to the orientation of the cup 1 while inthe feedscrew assembly 40. This solves the problems noted above.Further, when an object travels in one direction over a path, such asthe cups 1 traveling from the cup path first end 44 to the cup pathsecond end 46, the cups move from “upstream” to “downstream.” That is,as used herein, “upstream” means closer to the start of a path of traveland “downstream” means closer to the end of a path of travel.

That is, each feedscrew assembly 40 includes a number of elongatedfeedscrew members 50. The feedscrew members 50 are rotatably coupled toa feedscrew assembly housing 51 and are structured to rotate about theirlongitudinal axes. That is, the feedscrew assembly 40 includes a motor,and in an exemplary embodiment a variable speed motor (neither shown),that is operatively coupled to the feedscrew members 50 and isstructured to rotate the feedscrew members 50 at a substantially similarspeed. In an exemplary embodiment, the feedscrew members 50 include anelongated body 52 having an outer surface 54. As discussed below, thefeedscrew members 50 substantially define the cup path 42; thus, thefeedscrew member bodies each have a first end (or upstream end) 53 tothe cup path second end (or downstream end) 55. The feedscrew memberbody outer surface 54 defines a number of sequential helical conicalportions 56. That is, when viewed in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 5,the feedscrew member body outer surface 54 defines a number of portions56 having an upstream, narrow cross-sectional area 58 (the top of atruncated conical portion) and a downstream, wide cross-sectional area60. Thus, there is a “ridge” 62 separating the adjacent sequentialhelical conical portions 56. That is, the “ridge,” as used herein, isdefined by the change in the cross-sectional areas of the adjacentsequential helical conical portions 56. Stated alternately, the bottomof one adjacent sequential helical conical portion 56 defines a “ridge”62 with the greatest cross-sectional area. Further, it is understoodthat, in an exemplary embodiment, the ridge 62 is helical and thesequential helical conical portions 56 are shown in cross-section butthat in three dimensions, and as the feedscrew members 50 rotate, thesequential helical conical portions 56 blend into each other. Statedalternately, the ridge 62 is a generally continuous ridge 62 disposed ina helical path about the longitudinal axis of the feedscrew member body52.

In this configuration, the feedscrew member body outer surface 54generally corresponds to the shape of a cup 1. In an exemplaryembodiment, the cup 1 sidewall is generally tapered outwardly at asingle angle. Thus, for such a cup 1, the feedscrew member body outersurface 54 has substantially the same taper. Another type of cup (notshown) has multiple tapers and/or radii. That is, the cup is wide at thetop, the sidewall tapers at a consistent angle to an elevation near thebottom of the cup, at a location near the bottom of the cup, thesidewall radius is stepped down (i.e., there is a decrease in the radiusover a short distance/height, or, the taper drastically increases for ashort distance/height), then the sidewall tapers at a consistent angleto the bottom of the cup. Regardless of the shape of the cup sidewall,the feedscrew member body outer surface 54 has substantially the sametaper. Further, the contour of the cup sidewall on the feedscrew memberbody outer surface 54 progresses helically about the feedscrew memberbody 52.

It is understood that when two generally cylindrical, or generallyconical elements such as a tapered cup 1 and a feed screw member bodyconical portion 56, are oriented so that their longitudinal axes aregenerally parallel and the elements are disposed in contact with eachother, the area of contact is generally a thin line. Thus, in anexemplary embodiment, wherein the feedscrew member body outer surface 54is generally smooth, the feedscrew member body outer surface 54 isstructured to, and does, contact a cup 1 sidewall along a line. Inanother embodiment, not shown, the feedscrew member body outer surface54 includes a number of projections (not shown), in this configuration,the projections contact the cup 1 sidewall either in a broken line, or,in a broken, jagged line. That is, the projections contact the cup 1sidewall at individual points, but if the points were connected by linesegments, the overall shape would be a line or a jagged line. In anotherembodiment, not shown, the feedscrew member body outer surface 54includes a number of minor helical ridges (not shown). The minor helicalridges are surface features and are not as pronounced as the ridge 62.That is, the minor helical ridges are undulations on the feedscrewmember body outer surface 54 which, despite the undulations, isgenerally smooth (with the exception of the ridge 62). The minor ridgesextend about the feedscrew member body 52 in a helical manner similar tothe ridge 62. In this configuration, the minor ridges contact the cup 1sidewall either in a broken line, or, in a broken, jagged line. Further,in an exemplary embodiment, each feedscrew member body outer surface 54is resilient.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the “pitch” of the ridge 62, andtherefore the length of the adjacent sequential helical conical portions56, is variable along the length of the feedscrew member body 52. Asused herein, “pitch” means revolutions about an axis over a distancealong the same axis. Relative to the pitch at the feedscrew member bodysecond end 55, the pitch at the feedscrew member body first end 53 ishigher. That is, there are more revolutions, i.e., the ridge 62 wrapsabout (or partially about), at the feedscrew member body first end 53than at the feedscrew member body second end 55. As discussed below, inthis configuration, the feedscrew members 50 de-nest and separate thecups 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 5A, there are a plurality offeedscrew members 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D (four shown). The feedscrew members50 are disposed adjacent to each other with the longitudinal axesthereof disposed substantially parallel to each other. That is, thefeedscrew members 50 are disposed generally, or substantially, aboutninety degrees apart about a prime axis 68. That is, the longitudinalaxes of the four feedscrew members 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D are disposedgenerally, or substantially, an equal distance from the prime axis 68.The prime axis 68 is also the longitudinal axis of the cup path 42.

In this configuration, the feedscrew members 50 define a progressing cupcavity 70. That is, the space between the four feedscrew member bodyouter surfaces 54 and at one sequential helical conical portion 56,generally, or substantially, corresponds to the shape, i.e., the outersurface, of the cup 1. It is understood that the feedscrew members 50are oriented about the axes so that the four feedscrew member body outersurfaces 54 define the progressing cup cavity 70. That is, the feedscrewmembers 50 are oriented so that corresponding portions of the feedscrewmember body outer surfaces 54 are disposed about the same distance fromthe prime axis 68. For example, if first feedscrew member 50A has theridge 62 oriented toward the prime axis 68 at a location one foot fromthe feedscrew member body first end (or upstream end) 53, then the otherfeedscrew members 50B 50C, 50D are oriented in a similar manner. As usedherein, a “progressing cup cavity” 70 means a cavity shaped tocorrespond to a cup 1 and wherein the cavity generally moves in a singledirection.

In an alternate embodiment, not shown, there are two feedscrew members,as described above, that define the progressing cup cavity 70. The twofeedscrew members are disposed about one hundred and eighty degreesapart about the prime axis 68. Further, in this embodiment, there aretwo elongated rails (not shown) disposed adjacent to the two feedscrewmembers. That is, the two rails are disposed about one hundred andeighty degrees apart from each other and about ninety degrees from thetwo feedscrew members.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, as the feedscrew members 50 rotate, theprogressing cup cavity 70 moves downstream along the feedscrew members50. Moreover, because the “pitch” of the ridge 62 varies, theprogressing cup cavity 70 moves at a first speed adjacent the feedscrewmember body first end 53 and accelerates to a second speed at thefeedscrew member body second end 55. In the configuration shown, thesecond speed is faster than the first speed.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 9, each feedscrewassembly 40 includes a blower assembly 80 disposed at the cup pathsecond end. In this configuration, the blower assembly 80 is structuredto, and does, apply a positive air pressure into each cup 1 when eachcup 1 is disposed at the cup path second end.

In operation, each feedscrew assembly 40 operates as follows. A cup 1extends partially from a cup holder assembly frame outlet 26 and intothe cup path 42. The feedscrew members 50 engage the cup 1 and draw thecup 1 from the cup holder assembly 20. That is, the cup 1 is moved so asto be generally disposed in a progressing cup cavity 70. As thefeedscrew members 50 rotate, the progressing cup cavity 70, andtherefore the cup 1, move toward the cup path second end (or downstreamend) 46. During this period of travel, the feedscrew members 50 envelopethe cup 1 so that the orientation of the cup 1 is controlled. When theprogressing cup cavity 70, and therefore the cup 1, reach the cup pathsecond end (or downstream end) 46, the feedscrew assembly blower 80 isactuated (or is continuously actuated) so that positive air pressure isapplied to the inner surface of the cup 1. Thus, the positive airpressure is structured to propel each cup 1 toward the transfer diskassembly 100. Stated alternately, the feedscrew assembly blower 80 blowsthe cup 1 along, and/or beyond, the cup path 42 and toward the transferdisk assembly 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, there are two feedscrew assemblies 40; afirst (or “even”) feedscrew assembly 40A and a second (or “odd”)feedscrew assembly 40B. The two feedscrew assemblies 40 are structuredto alternately move a cup 1 to the transfer disk assembly 100. Due tothe rotational speed to the transfer disk assembly 100, the twofeedscrew assemblies 40 should not be disposed at the same radius on thetransfer disk assembly 100. That is, for example, the prime axis 68 ofthe first feedscrew assembly 40A passes through the transfer diskassembly 100 at a first radius, and, the prime axis 68 of the secondfeedscrew assembly 40B passes through the transfer disk assembly 100 ata second radius, wherein the first and second radii are different. In anexemplary embodiment, the offset between the first and second radii isabout the same as the maximum diameter of a cup 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cup transfer assembly 30 includes afeedscrew actuator 180 (shown schematically) that is structured to, anddoes, alternatively initiate the movement of a cup through one of thefirst feedscrew assembly 40A and the second feedscrew assembly 40B.Alternatively, the orientation of the feedscrew members 50, i.e. theposition of the ridge(s) 62, initiate movement of a cup away from astack of cups 1.

The transfer disk assembly 100 is structured to receive, and hold, a cup1 from each feedscrew assembly 40, reposition each cup 1, and transfereach cup to the mandrel turret assembly 130, described below. As shownin FIGS. 10-11, the transfer disk assembly 100 includes a generallycircular body 102 and a number of cup mounting assemblies 110. Thetransfer disk assembly body 102 includes an axial surface 104. Thetransfer disk assembly body 102 is rotatable, A motor or drive assembly(neither shown) is operatively coupled to the transfer disk assemblybody 102 whereby the transfer disk assembly body 102 rotates about anaxis of rotation 106.

The cup mounting assemblies 110 are structured to temporarily coupleeach cup 1 to the transfer disk assembly 100. In an exemplaryembodiment, this is accomplished using suction applied to the outersurface of the bottom of the cup 1. That is, each cup mounting assembly110 is structured to apply suction to the outer surface of the bottom ofthe cup 1. Each cup mounting assembly 110 is coupled to the transferdisk assembly body axial surface 104. The surface of each cup mountingassembly 110 opposite the transfer disk assembly body axial surface 104is a cup mounting assembly distal surface 112. The cup mountingassemblies 110 are disposed circumferentially about the transfer diskassembly body 102. Further, the cup mounting assemblies 110 each havesubstantially similar dimensions so that the cup mounting assemblydistal surfaces define a distal plane 114 (hereinafter, the “cupmounting assembly distal plane” 114).

Each cup mounting assembly 110, in an exemplary embodiment, includes, oris coupled and in fluid communication with, a bi-directional airpressure assembly 120 (shown schematically). As used herein, thebi-directional air pressure assembly 120 is “included” with each cupmounting assembly 110 if the cup mounting assembly 110 includes anyportion of the bi-directional air pressure assembly 120 such as, but notlimited to, a port 122. The bi-directional air pressure assembly 120 isstructured to, and does, selectively apply a negative (vacuum) airpressure and a positive (blowing) air pressure. The nature of the airpressure, i.e., positive or negative, is structured to be switchedindividually at each cup mounting assembly 110. Thus, some cup mountingassemblies 110 are exposed to a negative air pressure whilesimultaneously other cup mounting assemblies 110 are exposed to apositive air pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, each cup mountingassembly 110 includes a port 122 disposed at the cup mounting assemblydistal surface 112.

The bi-directional air pressure assembly 120 is structured to apply anegative air pressure when a cup mounting assembly 110 is disposed at oradjacent the cup path second end 46. In this configuration, the negativeair pressure is structured to propel each cup 1 toward the transfer diskassembly 100 and, in an exemplary embodiment, toward a cup mountingassembly 110. The negative air pressure is maintained as the transferdisk assembly body 102 rotates. Thus, the negative air pressure, i.e.,the bi-directional air pressure assembly 120, holds or maintains a cup 1on an associated cup mounting assembly 110.

As the transfer disk assembly body 102 rotates thither, each cupmounting assembly 110 is disposed at or adjacent a mandrel assembly 140on the mandrel turret assembly 130. When each cup mounting assembly 110is disposed at or adjacent a mandrel assembly 140 on the mandrel turretassembly 130, the bi-directional air pressure assembly 120 switches froma negative air pressure to a positive air pressure. Thus, when each cupmounting assembly 110 is disposed at or adjacent a mandrel assembly 140on the mandrel turret assembly 130, the bi-directional air pressureassembly 120 blows the cup 1 away from the cup mounting assembly 110 andtoward the mandrel turret assembly 130 and onto a mandrel assembly 140.Thus, the bi-directional air pressure assembly 120 is structured toapply a negative air pressure at each cup 1 bottom outer side when eachcup 1 is disposed at the cup path second end 46, to maintain thenegative air pressure as the transfer disk assembly body 102 rotates,then to apply a positive air pressure at each cup 1 bottom outer sidewhen the cup 1 is adjacent the mandrel turret assembly 130.

As noted above, due to the rotational speed to the transfer diskassembly 100, the two feedscrew assemblies 40 should not be disposed atthe same radius on the transfer disk assembly 100. Thus, the cupmounting assemblies 110 must also be disposed at two different radii onthe transfer disk assembly body 102 so as to be aligned with the cuppath second end 46 of the different feedscrew assemblies 40. The mandrelassemblies 140 on the mandrel turret assembly 130, however, are notdisposed at two different radii. Thus, a number of the cup mountingassemblies 110 are structured to move radially on the transfer diskassembly body 102. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, a number of cupmounting assemblies 110 includes a first set of cup mounting assemblies110A and a second set of cup mounting assemblies 110B. The first set ofcup mounting assemblies 110A are disposed at a first radius on thetransfer disk assembly 100. When the cup mounting assemblies 110 areadjacent the mandrel turret assembly 130, the cup mounting assemblies110 at the first radius are generally aligned with a mandrel assembly140 on the mandrel turret assembly 130. In this configuration, the firstset of cup mounting assemblies 110A are not required to move. Each cupmounting assembly 110 in the second set of cup mounting assemblies 110Bis movably coupled to the transfer disk assembly body 102. Each cupmounting assembly 110 in the second set of cup mounting assemblies 110Bis structured to move between a first radius and a second radius. Inthis configuration, each cup mounting assembly 110 in the second set ofcup mounting assemblies 110B is structured to, and does, move betweenthe first radius and a second radius. That is, when each cup mountingassembly 110 in the second set of cup mounting assemblies 110B isdisposed at the second feedscrew assembly 40B cup path second end 46,each cup mounting assembly 110 in the second set of cup mountingassemblies 1109 is disposed at the second radius. That is, each cupmounting assembly 110 in the second set of cup mounting assemblies 110Bis generally aligned with the second feedscrew assembly 40B cup pathsecond end 46. As the transfer disk assembly body 102 rotates and eachcup mounting assembly 110 in the second set of cup mounting assemblies110B moves toward the mandrel turret assembly 130, each cup mountingassembly 110 in the second set of cup mounting assemblies 110B movesalso toward the first radius. Thus, when each cup mounting assembly 110in the second set of cup mounting assemblies 110B is at the mandrelturret assembly 130, each cup mounting assembly 110 in the second set ofcup mounting assemblies 110B is also at the first radius.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 11A, the transfer diskassembly 100 includes a cam slide assembly 170 which is structured to,and does, move each cup mounting assembly 110 in the second set of cupmounting assemblies 110B between the first and second radii as describedabove. That is, as shown in FIGS. 12-11B, the transfer disk assembly 100includes the transfer disk assembly body 102 as noted above. A driveassembly (not shown) is operatively coupled to the transfer diskassembly body 102 whereby the transfer disk assembly body 102 rotates.The transfer disk assembly body 102, in an exemplary embodiment,includes a number of radially extending slots 172 (hereinafter “radiallyslot(s)” 172), which are also identified herein as part of the cam slideassembly 170. In an exemplary embodiment, there is one radiallyextending slot 172 for each cup mounting assembly 110 in the second setof cup mounting assemblies 110B. The cam slide assembly 170 alsoincludes a cam disk 174. The cam disk includes a body 176 disposedadjacent the transfer disk assembly body 102. In an exemplaryembodiment, the cam disk body 176 is fixed relative to the transfer diskassembly body 102. That is, the cam disk body 176 does not rotate. Thecam disk body 176 defines a number of channels 178 including aneccentric cam channel 179. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the camchannel 179 is generally circular, but the center of the generallycircular cam channel 179 is not the center, i.e., axis of rotation, ofthe cam disk body 176.

Each cam slide assembly 170 also includes a base 190 that, in anexemplary embodiment, defines a path over which a carriage assembly 192travels. The carriage assembly supports a cup mounting assembly 110 inthe second set of cup mounting assemblies 110B. The carriage assembly192 includes an elongated cam follower 194 having a stem 196 and abase198. The cam follower stem 196 extends through one radially extendingslots 172 and the cam follower base 198 is disposed in the eccentric camchannel 179. In this configuration, and when the transfer disk assemblybody 102 rotates relative to the cam disk body 176, the cam followerbase 198 engages the eccentric cam channel 179 which causes the carriageassembly 192 to reciprocate over a radially extending path. That is, thecarriage assembly 192, and therefore the associated cup mountingassembly 110, reciprocates over a radially extending path relative tothe transfer disk assembly body 102. It is understood that,simultaneously, the transfer disk assembly body 102 is rotating so thatthe carriage assembly 192, and therefore the associated cup mountingassembly 110, travels over an eccentric path, i.e., a circular path thatis offset relative to the axis of rotation of the cam disk body 176.

The mandrel turret assembly 130 is known in the art. Thus, as is known,the mandrel turret assembly 130 includes a turret disk 132 and a numberof mandrel assemblies 140. The turret disk 132 includes a generallycylindrical body 134 structured to rotate about an axis of rotation 136.The turret disk 132 has an axial surface 138. A motor or drive assembly(not shown) is operatively coupled to the turret disk 132 and isstructured to, and does, cause the turret disk 132 to rotate about theturret disk axis of rotation 136. Further, the mandrel turret assembly130, i.e., the turret disk 132, is structured to, and does, rotate at agenerally constant speed. That is, the turret disk 132 does not movewith an indexed, or intermittent, motion. This solves the problemsstated above.

As is known, a mandrel assembly 140 includes an elongated mandrel shaft(not shown) and an elongated mandrel body 142. Each mandrel body 142 isrotatably disposed on an associated mandrel shaft and is structured to,and does, rotate thereabout. Thus, each mandrel assembly 140 has an axisof rotation 144. A motor or drive assembly (not shown) is operativelycoupled to each mandrel assembly 140 and is structured to, and does,cause each mandrel body 142 to rotate about the associated mandrelshaft. Each mandrel assembly 140 is disposed on the turret disk axialsurface 138. In an exemplary embodiment, each mandrel assembly 140includes, or is in fluid communication with, a mandrel turret assemblybi-directional pressure assembly 150 (shown schematically). As is known,a nozzle (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the mandrelturret assembly bi-directional pressure assembly 150 is disposed at, ornear, the distal end of each mandrel assembly 140. In thisconfiguration, a negative pressure is applied to each cup 1, and asshown, to each cup 1 interior bottom surface, as the cup 1 is moved tothe mandrel turret assembly 130. That is, a vacuum helps moves, and thenmaintains, the cup 1 on an associated mandrel assembly 140.

As the turret disk 132 rotates, each mandrel assembly 140, and thereforeeach cup 1 disposed thereon, moves along a path adjacent to the printassembly 160 (shown schematically). Each cup 1 is decorated, i.e., hasink, paint, or another coating applied thereto, as the cup 1 moves bythe print assembly 160. After the cup 1 is decorated by the printassembly 160, the mandrel turret assembly bi-directional pressureassembly 150 applies a positive pressure and the cup 1 is blown off themandrel assembly 140 and is further processed as is known.

The decorator assembly 10 is further configured as follows. Thefeedscrew assemblies 40 are disposed adjacent to, and at a clearancedistance from the cup mounting assembly distal plane 114. As usedherein, a “clearance distance” means that the space between thefeedscrew assemblies 40, i.e., the cup path second end 46, and the cupmounting assembly distal plane 114 is larger than the height of a cup 1.In this configuration, a cup 1 seated on a cup mounting assembly 110 isstructured to, and does, rotate with the transfer disk assembly body 102and cannot contact a feedscrew assembly 40. This solves the problemsstated above.

Further, each feedscrew assembly 40 is structured to position a cup 1 ina transfer position with a minimal offset or a specific minimal offset.As used herein, a cup “transfer position” is the position of the cup asit leaves the cup path second end 46. As used herein, the cup “offset”means the distance between the cup 1 bottom and the construct to whichthe cup 1 is being moved. As used herein, a “minimal offset” means anoffset of between about ⅛ inch and about ⅝ inch. As used herein, a“specific minimal offset” means an offset of about ⅜ inch. In anotherexemplary embodiment, there is an “alternate minimal offset” which, asused herein, means an offset of between about ⅛ inch and about ¼ inch.This configuration is possible due to the cups 1 being disposed in abottom leading configuration. That is, in the prior art wherein cupswere disposed in a top leading configuration, as the cups moved to, andpast, the cup path second end, the open top of the cup was disposedadjacent a mandrel assembly. Thus, the cup bottom was spaced about theentire cup height away from the construct to which the cup 1 is beingmoved. In this configuration, the cup was generally not in contact withany construct which controlled the orientation of the cup as the cupmoved from the transfer position to the mandrel; this distance wasgenerally the height of the cup. When each feedscrew assembly 40 isstructured to position a cup 1 in a transfer position with a minimaloffset or a specific minimal offset, (or an alternate minimal offset)the cup 1 is only out of contact with a construct that controls theorientation of the cup for a distance equal to the minimal offset or thespecific minimal offset. That is, because the cup 1 is “enveloped” bythe feedscrew assembly 40, as defined above, the orientation of the cup1 is controlled except for the time the cup 1 crosses the offset. Thissolves the problems stated above.

In an exemplary embodiment, each feedscrew assembly prime axis 68 isgenerally perpendicular to the cup mounting assembly distal plane 114.In this configuration, each feedscrew assembly blower assembly 80 isstructured to, and does blow each cup toward the transfer disk assemblybody 102 in a perpendicular orientation. As used herein, a cup 1 in a“perpendicular orientation” relative to a transfer disk assembly body102 means that the plane of the cup bottom is generally parallel to thetransfer disk assembly body axial surface 104. Further, each feedscrewassembly prime axis 68 is generally parallel to the transfer diskassembly body axis of rotation 106.

The transfer disk assembly 100 is further disposed adjacent the mandrelturret assembly 130. In this configuration, each cup mounting assembly110 on the transfer disk assembly 100 is, at one point, generallyaligned with a mandrel assembly 140. As used herein, “generally aligned”when used in association with the cup mounting assemblies 110 means thata line normal to the cup mounting assembly distal plane 114 is generallyco-extensive with the longitudinal axis of the other identifiedconstruct. Thus, when the transfer disk assembly 100 is disposedadjacent the mandrel turret assembly 130, and at one point during therotation of the transfer disk assembly 100, a line normal to the cupmounting assembly distal plane 114 is, generally co-extensive with thelongitudinal axis of a mandrel assembly 140. Further, the transfer diskassembly body axis of rotation 106 is generally parallel to the turretdisk axis of rotation 136.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A decorator assembly comprising: a cup holderassembly structured to hold a number of cups in a nested, bottom leadingconfiguration; a cup transfer assembly structured to move cups from saidcup holder assembly to a decorator mandrel turret assembly; saiddecorator mandrel turret assembly structured to rotatably support anumber of cups; said cup transfer assembly includes a number offeedscrew assemblies and a transfer disk; each feedscrew assemblystructured to de-nest and move a cup from a nested stack of cups to saidtransfer disk; each feedscrew assembly defining an elongated cup path;each said cup path having a first end and a second end; said transferdisk including a generally circular body and a number of cup mountingassemblies; said transfer disk body including an axial surface; said cupmounting assemblies disposed on said transfer disk body axial surfaceand disposed circumferentially about said transfer disk body; each saidcup mounting assembly including a distal surface; said cup mountingassembly distal surfaces defining a distal plane; said cup path secondend disposed at a clearance distance from said cup mounting assemblydistal plane; wherein said cup transfer assembly is structured to applya bi-directional air pressure to each said cup as each said cup isdisposed at said cup path second end; each feedscrew assembly includes ablower assembly; each said blower assembly structured to apply apositive air pressure into each said cup when each said cup is disposedat said cup path second end; wherein said positive air pressure isstructured to propel each said cup toward said transfer disk; each saidcup mounting assembly includes a bi-directional air pressure assembly;each said bi-directional air pressure assembly structured to apply anegative air pressure at each cup bottom outer side when each said cupis disposed at said cup path second end; wherein said negative airpressure is structured to propel each said cup toward said transferdisk; said decorator mandrel turret assembly includes a turret disk anda number of mandrel assemblies; each said mandrel assembly rotatablycoupled to said turret disk; said turret disk structured to rotate aboutan axis of rotation; said transfer disk is structured to rotate about anaxis of rotation; wherein each said cup mounting assembly rotates from afirst position, wherein each said cup mounting assembly is disposedadjacent said cup path second end, and a second position, wherein eachsaid cup mounting assembly is disposed adjacent said turret disk; andwherein, when each said cup mounting assembly is disposed adjacent saidturret disk, said bi-directional air pressure assembly is structured toapply a positive air pressure at each cup bottom outer side.
 2. Thedecorator assembly of claim 1 wherein each feedscrew assembly isstructured to position a cup in a transfer position with a minimaloffset.
 3. The decorator assembly of claim 1 wherein each feedscrewassembly is structured to position a cup in a transfer position with aspecific minimal offset.
 4. The decorator assembly of claim 1 whereineach said feedscrew assembly is structured to substantially envelop acup as said cup moves from said cup path first end to said cup pathsecond end.
 5. The decorator assembly of claim 4 wherein: each feedscrewassembly includes a plurality of elongated feedscrew members; saidplurality of feedscrew members disposed adjacent to each other with thelongitudinal axes thereof disposed substantially parallel to each other;each said feedscrew member including a body with an outer surface; andeach said feedscrew member body outer surface defining a number ofsequential helical conical portions.
 6. The decorator assembly of claim5 wherein: said plurality of elongated feedscrew members including fourfeedscrew members; said four feedscrew members disposed about a primeaxis, wherein said prime axis is substantially parallel to eachfeedscrew member longitudinal axis; wherein said feedscrew membersdefine a progressing cup cavity; and said cup cavity corresponding tothe outer surface of said cups.
 7. The decorator assembly of claim 5wherein each feedscrew member has a resilient outer surface.
 8. Thedecorator assembly of claim 1 wherein said decorator mandrel turretassembly defines an obstruction free feeder space.
 9. A decoratorassembly comprising: a cup holder assembly structured to hold a numberof cups in a nested, bottom leading configuration; a cup transferassembly structured to move cups from said cup holder assembly to adecorator mandrel turret assembly; said decorator mandrel turretassembly structured to rotatably support a number of cups; said cuptransfer assembly includes a number of feedscrew assemblies and atransfer disk; each feedscrew assembly structured to de-nest and move acup from a nested stack of cups to said transfer disk; each feedscrewassembly defining an elongated cup path; each said cup path having afirst end and a second end; said transfer disk including a generallycircular body and a number of cup mounting assemblies; said transferdisk body including an axial surface; said cup mounting assembliesdisposed on said transfer disk body axial surface and disposedcircumferentially about said transfer disk body; each said cup mountingassembly including a distal surface; said cup mounting assembly distalsurfaces defining a distal plane; said cup path second end disposed at aclearance distance from said cup mounting assembly distal plane; saidnumber of feedscrew assemblies includes a first feedscrew assembly and asecond feedscrew assembly; said number of cup mourning assembliesincludes a first set of cup mounting assemblies and a second set of cupmounting assemblies; said first set of cup mounting assemblies disposedat a first radius; and said second set of cup mounting assembliesdisposed at a second radius.
 10. The decorator assembly of claim 9wherein: said decorator mandrel turret assembly includes a turret disk;and wherein said turret disk is structured to move at a generallyconstant rotational speed.
 11. The decorator assembly of claim 9 whereinsaid decorator mandrel turret assembly defines an obstruction freefeeder space.
 12. A decorator assembly comprising: a cup holder assemblystructured to hold a number of cups in a nested, bottom leadingconfiguration; a cup transfer assembly structured to move cups from saidcup holder assembly to a decorator mandrel turret assembly; saiddecorator mandrel turret assembly structured to rotatably support anumber of cups; said cup transfer assembly includes a number offeedscrew assemblies and a transfer disk; each feedscrew assemblystructured to de-nest and move a cup from a nested stack of cups to saidtransfer disk; each feedscrew assembly defining an elongated cup path;each said cup path having a first end and a second end; said transferdisk including a generally circular body and number of cup mountingassemblies; said transfer disk body including an axial surface; said cupmounting assemblies disposed on said transfer disk body axial surfaceand disposed circumferentially about said transfer disk body; each saidcup mounting assembly including a distal surface; said cup mountingassembly distal surfaces defining a distal plane; said cup path secondend disposed at a clearance distance from said cup mounting assemblydistal plane; said number of feedscrew assemblies includes a firstfeedscrew assembly and a second feedscrew assembly; said number of cupmounting assemblies includes a first set of cup mounting assemblies anda second set of cup mounting assemblies; said first set of cup mountingassemblies disposed at a first radius; each cup mounting assembly insaid second set of cup mounting assemblies movably coupled to saidtransfer disk body; and each cup mounting assembly in said second set ofcup mounting assemblies structured to move between a first radius and asecond radius.
 13. The decorator assembly of claim 12 wherein: each cupmounting assembly in said second set of cup mounting assemblies includesa cam slide assembly; and each said cup mounting assembly cam slideassembly structured to move an associated cup mounting assembly betweena first radius and a second radius.
 14. The decorator assembly of claim12 wherein said cup transfer assembly includes a feedscrew actuatorstructured to alternatively initiate the movement of a cup through oneof said first feedscrew assembly and said second feedscrew assembly. 15.The decorator assembly of claim 12 wherein: Said decorator mandrelturret assembly includes a turret disk; and wherein said turret disk isstructured to move at a generally constant rotational speed.
 16. Thedecorator assembly of claim 12 wherein said decorator mandrel turretassembly defines an obstruction free feeder space.
 17. A decoratorassembly comprising: a cup holder assembly structured to hold a numberof cups in a nested, bottom leading configuration; a cup transferassembly structured to move cups from said cup holder assembly to adecorator mandrel turret assembly; said decorator mandrel turretassembly structured to rotatably support a number of cups; said cuptransfer assembly includes a number of feedscrew assemblies and atransfer disk; each feedscrew assembly structured to de-nest and move acup from a nested stack of cups to said transfer disk; each feedscrewassembly defining an elongated cup path; each said cup path having afirst end and a second end; said transfer disk including a generallycircular body and a number of cup mounting assemblies; said transferdisk body including an axial surface; said cup mounting assembliesdisposed on said transfer disk body axial surface and disposedcircumferentially about said transfer disk body; each said cup mountingassembly including a distal surface; said cup mounting assembly distalsurfaces defining a distal plane; said cup path second end disposed at aclearance distance from said cup mounting assembly distal plane; saidtransfer disk is structured to rotate about an axis of rotation; saiddecorator mandrel turret assembly includes a turret disk and a number ofmandrel assemblies; each said mandrel assembly movably and rotatablycoupled to said turret disk; said turret disk structured to rotate aboutan axis of rotation; wherein each said cup mounting assembly rotatesfrom a first position, wherein each said cup mounting assembly isdisposed adjacent said cup path second end, and a second position,wherein each said cup mounting assembly is disposed adjacent said turretdisk; each said mandrel assembly includes a negative pressure airpressure assembly; and each said mandrel assembly negative pressure airpressure assembly structured to apply a negative pressure to an innersurface of; a cup when each said cup mounting assembly is in said secondposition.
 18. The decorator assembly of claim 17 wherein: each saidmandrel assembly includes a cam slide assembly; and each said mandrelassembly cam slide assembly structured to move an associated mandrelassembly between a first radius and a second radius.
 19. The decoratorassembly of claim 17 wherein said decorator mandrel turret assemblydefines an obstruction free feeder space.